8 Best Day Trips from Richmond, Canada
Richmond, British Columbia, offers easy access to some of the most stunning natural and cultural destinations in the region. Whether you’re craving a mountain escape, coastal scenery, or vibrant city life, Richmond makes the perfect home base for exploring the Lower Mainland and beyond. Here are 8 must-do day trips from Richmond, Canada — all within 1–2 hours by car or public transit.
Vancouver, BC
Distance: ~30 minutes by SkyTrain or car
Highlights: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Science World
Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural city offering an impressive mix of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Spend your day biking or walking the Stanley Park Seawall, Canada’s most famous urban park path. Stop at the Vancouver Aquarium or rent a kayak in English Bay.
Explore Granville Island Public Market for artisan foods and local goods, or head to Gastown for cobbled streets, the Steam Clock, and excellent restaurants.
Bonus Tip: Buy a Compass Card to travel easily on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses.
Steveston Village (In Richmond, But Worth a Full Day)
Distance: ~15 minutes (within Richmond)
Highlights: Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Fisherman’s Wharf, Garry Point Park
This picturesque seaside village offers a taste of coastal BC life. Once the center of the West Coast fishing industry, Steveston blends historical interest with excellent dining and scenic beauty.
Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site to learn about the salmon canning legacy. Grab fish and chips at Pajo’s on the dock, stroll the shops, or catch a whale watching tour during spring and summer.
Perfect For: Families, history lovers, and photographers.
Burnaby Mountain & Simon Fraser University
Distance: ~40 minutes by car
Highlights: Kamui Mintara Totem Poles, Simon Fraser University, rose gardens
Perched high above the city, Burnaby Mountain offers sweeping views of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. Visit at sunset for breathtaking photos. Explore walking trails, bike paths, and the tranquil Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.
Walk the SFU campus, which offers interesting modernist architecture and cultural venues like the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Nearby, Horizons Restaurant is a romantic spot for dinner with a view.
Ladner & Westham Island – A Peaceful Countryside Escape
Distance: ~30–35 minutes
Highlights: Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Emma Lea Farms, Centennial Dyke Trail
This rural area offers an easy escape into BC’s delta farmlands and wetlands. Visit the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, home to over 280 bird species. It’s especially stunning during spring and fall migrations.
On Westham Island, stop by Emma Lea Farms for seasonal U-pick berries and ice cream. Enjoy a walk along the quiet Centennial Dyke Trail, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Bring Binoculars! You might spot bald eagles, owls, and sandhill cranes.
Tsawwassen & Centennial Beach – Sun, Sand, and Wildlife
Distance: ~35 minutes
Highlights: Centennial Beach, Boundary Bay Regional Park, birdwatching
Located on the Pacific Flyway, Centennial Beach is a shallow, family-friendly beach with calm, warm water—perfect for wading and sandcastle building. The nearby Boundary Bay Trail is great for biking or spotting migratory birds.
There’s also a nature discovery center and a large children’s playground. Ideal for a relaxing day with kids or a beach picnic away from the crowds.
Fort Langley – Step into the 1800s
Distance: ~1 hour
Highlights: Fort Langley National Historic Site, antique shops, Fraser River walks
This charming town along the Fraser River was once a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Today, it's one of BC’s best-preserved historic villages.
Tour the Fort Langley National Historic Site, where costumed interpreters re-create 19th-century life. Explore quaint shops, cafes, and riverside trails.
Must-Try: Lunch at Wendel’s Bookstore & Café or Trading Post Eatery.
Squamish via Sea to Sky Highway – Epic Mountains & Gondolas
Distance: ~1.5–2 hours
Highlights: Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls, hiking
Drive one of Canada’s most scenic routes—the Sea to Sky Highway—from Vancouver to Squamish. Stop at Shannon Falls (BC’s third-highest waterfall) or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for stunning alpine views and suspension bridges.
Squamish is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Try the Stawamus Chief hike or opt for gentler trails like Panorama Trail. You’ll be surrounded by granite cliffs, glaciers, and towering firs.
White Rock – Quaint Seaside Escape
Distance: ~45 minutes
Highlights: White Rock Pier, beaches, waterfront promenade
White Rock is a classic beach town named after the large white boulder on its shoreline. Walk the longest pier in Canada and browse oceanfront boutiques and cafés.
The Promenade runs along the beach and is ideal for leisurely walks. Grab gelato or fish and chips and enjoy sunset views over Semiahmoo Bay.
Local Tip: Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid summer crowds but still enjoy the sunshine.
Richmond is more than a gateway to Vancouver—it’s a launchpad for countless one-day adventures across the Lower Mainland. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, relaxing at the beach, or exploring BC’s rich cultural heritage, these day trips let you experience the best of the province—all within a short distance.
Take your pick from scenic coastal towns, historic villages, urban gems, and nature escapes. With so much to explore just beyond Richmond, every weekend can be an opportunity for a new discovery.
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